Lovesick

Starred review from July 14, 2008
Hurley, an independent filmmaker, debuts with this glittering comedy, a prime exemplar of what might be called demento mori, a growing subgenre of satire about teens who will not or cannot die. Charlotte Usher's plan to catapult herself from the ranks of the invisible to the heights of popularity at Hawthorne High—no possibility for allusion goes unturned—hits a major snag on the first day of school when she chokes to death on a gummy bear. Sent to Deadiquette school along with other teen spirits, she skips out, still determined to woo her longtime heartthrob, never mind that “he doesn't even know I'm alive.” The jokes stay sharp, from the goth girl who gives her a “make-under” to throwaway lines (caught breaking some cardinal rules, Charlotte mutters to herself, “I'm dead”). Plotlines raise the stakes, putting Hurley's consistent wit to the service of classic themes about claiming identity. While the author has a built-in fan base from her ghostgirl Web sites, high-impact design will ensure attention from casual browsers as well. An elaborate die-cut with stamped acetate on the cover dares readers to laugh at a silhouette of a cartoon girl in an open casket, an effect heightened by the extra-tall trim size; inside, pink-and-black graphics liberally adorn the margins, epigraphs to chapter openings, etc. And given the polished dark-and-deadpan humor, it's a natural fit with Gen Y, too. Ages 12–up.

October 15, 2010
Grades 5-8 Charlotte is back from the deadwell, sort of. She and fellow Dead Ed graduates return to Hawthorne High in time for prom season, acting as guardian angels for students from Charlottes past. Theres Petula, recovered from her near-death experience and giving away possessions to the homeless; Scarlett, dating Charlottes true love; and Darcy, a mystery girl with an agenda. But Charlotte has her own problems in the afterlife and struggles to do the right thing. Fans of the series will appreciate the further adventures of their favorite ghost-girl, and another appealing cover design and layout will draw in readers (who will definitely need to read the other books first).(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2011
Charlotte and her fellow Dead Ed grads assist living students through various crises leading to the prom. Helping Scarlet reconnect with her boyfriend makes Charlotte feel more secure in her own relationships. A snarkily humorous perspective on high school can't save this installment (which relies heavily on readers' knowledge of the previous two) from unlikable characters and fortune-cookie pronouncements on life and love.

(Copyright 2011 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)